How To Start the Process of Getting a Custom Built-In Closet

Reimagining your closet can feel like finally solving an ongoing puzzle. Overflowing racks, mismatched storage, and cluttered shelves may leave you frustrated daily. However, a custom built-in closet transforms how you use your space. From assessing your needs to designing with an online tool, here’s how to start the process of getting a custom built-in closet. Let’s dive in!

Assess Your Needs and Goals

A successful custom closet design always begins with understanding what you need. After all, your closet should work for you, not against you. Consider the factors below to organize your ideas and set priorities.

Identify What You Own

Before outlining your dream closet, inventory your belongings. Dig into what you currently store in your closet, and identify trouble areas. Do you have disorganized shoe piles on the floor? Do bags and belts disappear into corners? Look at what you struggle to keep tidy, and make note of specific storage needs. For example, a growing tie collection might benefit from tie racks, or an extensive shoe collection could thrive with tiered shelving.

Focus on Functionality

Address your routine frustrations, and brainstorm features that simplify them. If you frequently choose outfits on busy mornings, prioritizing easy access with double-hanging rods or open shelves can make the process easier. If you deal with tangled necklaces, consider pull-out jewelry trays. Essentially, you want to identify solutions that cater to your lifestyle rather than just adding features for aesthetics.

Define Long-Term Goals

Consider your future storage needs. Will you need more space for seasonal items? Do you expect your wardrobe to grow or change drastically? For instance, someone building a professional wardrobe might need more hanging space, while a growing family could benefit from shared storage zones. Planning ahead ensures your closet remains functional over time.

Create Your Wish List

After reviewing your current closet frustrations and future needs, build a wish list of features. This could include pull-out hampers, jewelry trays, or adjustable shelving. Write your must-haves separately from your nice-to-haves to make design decisions easier later. Customizations like these create a closet that feels made for you without overspending on unnecessary extras.

hh

Measure Your Space

The foundation of your custom closet lies in accurate measurements. Without precision, designs can run into issues that disrupt timeframes and budgets. Prepare to measure your space with a few simple tools. You’ll need a tape measure, a notebook for notes, and a step stool or ladder for high spaces.

Begin by measuring the exact height of each wall from floor to ceiling. Record widths from one side to the other, and include depths, which are especially important for interior shelving or hanging systems. Always measure in multiple spots, as walls may not align perfectly. For example, one corner may be slightly higher, which could affect shelving installation.

Measure corners carefully, noting angles and overlaps with other walls. For example, a 90-degree corner may allow for a corner shelving system, while irregular angles might require specialized designs. Furthermore, pay attention to elements you’ll need to work around. These could include light switches, outlet placements, ventilation vents, or existing closet rods. If a window takes up wall space, note its location and surrounding dimensions, as you’ll want to avoid designing storage in that area.

Double-Check and Document

Once you capture all measurements, review them for accuracy. Errors at this stage could derail your project and lead to adjustments that waste time. Write all figures in clear, legible numbers, and organize them into categories, such as “Wall 1 Height” and “Floor-to-Ceiling Measurements.” A thorough record ensures you’re ready for the design phase.

Explore Design Inspiration

Creating a custom closet is the perfect opportunity to bring your personal style and organization goals to life. Gathering inspiration helps you identify trends, discover what works well for your space, and clarify your design preferences.

Home and lifestyle magazines, design websites, and professional social media accounts offer a treasure trove of ideas. Flip through these resources for visuals of both practical storage systems and decorative details. Pin down elements that catch your eye. Maybe it’s simple, open shelving with clean lines, or perhaps it’s a walk-in closet with a built-in island for accessories.

Organize all your favorite designs into one place, whether it’s an online platform like Pinterest or a physical board with magazine clippings. Group your ideas based on themes, materials, or features to spot patterns in what you’re drawn to. For example, you might group lighting ideas and realize you love soft, recessed lighting over brighter task lighting. This exercise will guide future design conversations and decisions.

While inspiration is essential, evaluate whether certain design ideas translate to your space and needs. A walk-in closet design might look stunning online, but if your area doesn’t allow for it, focus on maximizing storage with built-ins along available walls. Practical touches like hooks for frequently used bags or simple adjustable shelving can make a significant impact without complicating the design.

Use the Closet Builder Tool

The process of getting a custom built-in closet really starts with Wood Closet Design’s online tool. Enter your closet measurements, including wall and ceiling dimensions. If your closet has unique features, such as an angled ceiling or obstructions like vents, note them in the tool’s design fields.

With the tool, you can choose your space configuration. For instance, the walk-in closet design tool option helps you create distinct zones for your clothing and accessories. If your closet is a reach-in, focus on vertical storage to maximize the use of its limited depth. This platform allows you to bring your ideas together with just a few clicks.

Save and Preview Your Design

Save your work, and preview the complete design as the tool lets you assess your choices. Evaluate whether the layout matches your flow and storage ideas. For example, you might decide to adjust shelving heights or add extra drawers after seeing the big picture. Every adjustment brings you closer to creating your dream closet.

Finalize Your Design and Confirm the Details

Now it’s time to finalize your closet design. Examine each feature and storage component of your design thoroughly. Ensure the layout includes all necessary elements, such as sufficient shelving and drawer space, in practical locations. Add any functional features you may have missed, such as additional racks for hats or a pull-out hamper.

Once your measurements and design feel complete, finalize your purchase through Wood Closet Design’s platform. Then, prepare your closet for the arrival of your custom pieces by clearing out your current storage system to make room for the new components.

Organize your belongings into temporary storage solutions to ensure they stay out of the way and are easily accessible when reintegrating them into the new design. Once the delivery arrives, you’ll have everything you need to make your dream closet a reality.